The Preston Barn Wedding Venue FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
Planning a wedding comes with endless decisions—from finding the perfect attire to choosing your dream venue. If you're considering a barn wedding in the Hudson Valley, you're in the right place. At The Preston Barn, we know couples have a lot of questions, so we've gathered the most common ones and answered them for you right here.
Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning journey or are ready to book a tour, this FAQ blog post will help you get to know our venue, offerings, and our process a bit better.
What makes The Preston Barn unique as a wedding venue?
The Preston Barn is a one-of-a-kind Hudson Valley wedding venue that blends rustic charm with refined elegance. The barn features original hand-hewn beams, vintage chandeliers, and beautiful outdoor elements often described as “woodsy” and “whimsical”. It's part of the historic Old Drovers Inn estate, which you could get exclusive use of the entire property for your big day.
Couples love our warm, welcoming atmosphere and personalized approach to every celebration. From your initial tour to your send-off brunch, our dedicated coordinator and team ensure every detail is handled with care—so your wedding day is as stress-free and memorable as possible for you and your guests.
How many guests can The Preston Barn accommodate?
Our venue comfortably hosts up to 220 guests. With both indoor and outdoor options available, you can plan a cozy winter wedding or an airy summer celebration with ease. For winter, the guest limit may be a little smaller since every part of the event would be inside, unless the ceremony is off-site.
Is catering included, or can we bring our own?
Catering is a signature part of The Preston Barn experience. Our in-house culinary team offers fully customizable menus, thoughtfully crafted using locally sourced ingredients and designed to impress—from the first bite to the final toast. We work closely with each couple to create a menu that reflects your tastes, traditions, and vision for the day.
That said, we understand that some celebrations call for a specific cultural menu or family favorite. For those instances, we offer the option to buy out the kitchen and bring in your own caterer. Even with this option, you'll still enjoy full access to our included amenities—tableware, furnishings, bar services, and more—so your day runs seamlessly.
Can we have our ceremony on-site?
Yes! Many couples choose to exchange vows in our scenic outdoor ceremony space, framed by tall trees and the charm of nature. If weather is a concern, we also offer a tented patio or inside the barn itself as backup.
No matter the season, The Preston Barn offers a romantic and seamless ceremony setup. We are one of the only barns in the Hudson Valley that can offer weddings and events all year round!
Do you provide a bridal suite or getting-ready areas?
Absolutely. We offer private getting-ready suite options for both partners, giving you a peaceful and comfortable space to relax, get ready, and enjoy the quiet moments before the festivities begin.
All of our package options include one room as a suite for getting ready but there are additional rooms and other housing options on-site and nearby.
Can we bring in our own vendors?
We provide a thoughtfully curated preferred vendor list of professionals who know our space well and align with our service values. We do NOT do “pay to play” so you know you can trust them. However, you're also welcome to bring your own vendors if you prefer. We're here to collaborate and ensure your day runs smoothly.
Do you have a planner on-site?
We’re proud to have a dedicated venue coordinator, Helene, who will support you from your very first site visit through the booking process and right up to your wedding weekend. Helene is known for going above and beyond to ensure your day runs smoothly. That said, it's helpful to understand the difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner. If you're looking for more personalized, hands-on planning throughout your entire wedding journey, you may want to consider hiring an additional planner who works solely on your behalf. We’ve outlined the key distinctions in this blog post to help you decide what’s right for you.
Can we host a full wedding weekend at The Preston Barn?
Absolutely! The Preston Barn is more than just a venue—it’s a destination. We offer the option to turn your wedding into a full weekend affair with on-site accommodations, ideal for close family and wedding party members.
Couples often choose to host a rehearsal dinner or welcome party the night before, followed by the wedding day itself, and cap off the celebration with a speakeasy-style after-party and a farewell brunch the next morning. Our versatile property and thoughtful layout make it easy to celebrate each moment in one seamless, beautiful location.
Plus, we’re nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley—surrounded by wineries, hiking trails, charming towns, and scenic views—giving your guests the opportunity to make a full weekend of their visit.
Is there parking available for guests?
Yes—ample on-site parking is available along with parking attendants, making things easy and convenient for your guests. We even offer golf cart shuttles for guests who may need a little assistance.
How far in advance should we book our wedding?
To secure your ideal date, we recommend booking at least 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for popular seasons like late spring and fall. Dates sometimes fill quickly, so don’t wait too long to get in touch! Always reach out and check, we often have some dates still available with less time.
is the preston barn lgbtq+ friendly?
Without question—yes. Love is love, and we are proud to welcome and celebrate couples of all gender identities and sexual orientations at The Preston Barn. Creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for every couple is at the heart of what we do. Your love story is beautiful, and it deserves to be honored exactly as it is. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Do you host other events besides weddings?
Yes, we host all kinds of celebrations and gatherings, including engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, fundraisers, corporate events, and retreats. If you’re looking for a unique and charming venue, we’d love to host your next event.
How do we schedule a tour of The Preston Barn?
We’d love to show you around! Simply contact us here to schedule your private tour. We’ll walk you through the property, answer your questions, and chat about how we can help bring your dream wedding to life.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
We hope this FAQ gave you a better sense of what it’s like to celebrate at The Preston Barn. From your first tour to your last dance, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you're ready to book or need more details, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Your unforgettable Hudson Valley wedding starts here.